A tragic two-car collision near the Pump Station Bridge on KY 90 Saturday night, May 7, claimed the lives of three local residents.

Pronounced dead at the scene were Ryan C. Bell, 19, Joshua Thompson, 31, and his wife, Kayla Thompson, 27.

All three victims were traveling in a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am that was driven by Bell.

Wayne County Coroner Forrest Hicks said that the Thompsons suffered from blunt force trauma.

Hicks said that Bell’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort to determine the exact injuries and cause of death.

According to information from Kentucky State Police, who are investigating the accident, a 1999 Ford F-250 pickup, driven by David Carr, 58, of Somerset, was eastbound on KY 90.

Officials said that Carr was attempting to pass on an uphill grade when he lost control of his vehicle on wet pavement, crossed the center line and struck the Bell vehicle, which was in the westbound lane, head on.

Both vehicles ended up against a rock wall in the westbound lane, according to Greg Reams, who is a Kentucky State Police accident reconstructionist.

The accident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m.

Carr was transported to Wayne County Hospital and then transferred to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.

Local officials said that it took about an hour to free the three victims from the wreckage, using jaws of life equipment.

Reams said that alcohol, drugs and speed are not considered factors in the fatal crash, but rather a wet roadway.

The accident remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were the Monticello Police Department, Monticello Fire Department, Wayne County EMS and Wayne County Coroner’s Office.